No matter where you live in Onondaga County, you are in close proximity to one of our renowned parks. Parks are a priority to the county; they contribute to our quality of life and provide us with areas that will remain natural, green spaces in an ever-developing society. County parks provide a place for adults and children to congregate, to play, to walk, run or bike and most importantly, a place to have fun. Onondaga County is home to more than a dozen parks. At the legislature, we have seen the value in investing in our system to attract new visitors, as well as providing a wonderful experience for our residents.
Each year we strive to enhance everyone’s experience in the park system. The Parks and Recreation Department is constantly soliciting feedback to improve each park and provide recreation programs in which people want to participate. Recently, Parks Administration offered an update on the 2016 season and some aspirations for 2017. Some new projects came to fruition in 2016. At the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, a 50,000-gallon elephant pool opened in July. The project incorporated green infrastructure, which included storm water filtration and a bioretention basin. This $1.8 million project was fully funded by the Friends of the Zoo. Lakeview Park officially opened, featuring the Lakeview Amphitheater. More than 20 concerts were held at the park, and every day you can see residents and visitors utilizing the most recently paved portion of the Onondaga Lake West Shore Trail. Plans to continue the trail will be a focus in 2017.
In 2016, more than 3 million people will visit one of Onondaga County’s parks. Most of these individuals will visit Onondaga Lake Park, along the shores of Onondaga Lake. The extension of the trail along the western shores of the lake has increased biking, running, walking and skating. Additionally, Onondaga County Parks continues to host great events like the Balloon Fest at Jamesville Beach, Golden Harvest Fest at Beaver Lake, Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenters Brook Fish Hatchery, Scottish Games at Long Branch Park and Lights on the Lake. If it has been awhile since your last trip, this time of year is the best time to visit one of the many parks in Onondaga County.
Judy Tassone represents the fourth district, which includes the town of Salina, the village of Liverpool and portions of the town of Geddes. Judy welcomes constituent feedback; she can be reached by email at [email protected] or at home, 457-5458.
